The
word tantra had a special meaning as applied to the temples of Kerala. It
is both a science and an art. It deals with structural
and functional aspects of the temples and images, the dedication
and consecration of the idol. The expert in tantra
is called Tantri.
Tantri
Puzhakkara
Chennas Namboodiri is the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur. The Tantra Samuchaya
according to which temples rites and rituals are
performed in most of the temples in Kerala was written by Chennas
Narayanan Namboodiri, born in 1427.
When
Punnathur chief submitted to the Zamorin, Chennas also joined the
Zamorins' party in the Koorumatsaram and its senior most member became
the Zamorins' spiritual adviser and supervisor of the temples in the
empire. The Tantri lives in the tantrimadam near the temple. He offers Utsava bali (offerings to the celestial attendants) on
Utsava days and takes part in all
special worships during the Mandalam.
Othikkans
Derived
from the Malayalam word 'oothuka'- to recite the Vedas. The othikkan
is a person who chants as well as teaches the Veda. From the ancient
times, Guruvayur has been having four othikkans, known from their house
names, as Pazhayam, Munnoolam, Pottakuzhi and Kakkad .They assist
the Melsanthi by performing the Pantheeradi pooja (the worship when the
sun's shadow measures 12 feet). The Othikkans officiate for the Tantri during the
utsavam and
other festivals and also when the tantri is not available due to
sickness or so.
Melsanthi
The Melsanthi
(Chief Priest) is appointed for six months at a time. In Guruvayur, the
Melsanthi has to observe strict brahmacharya and has to live within
the temple premises. He is now appointed by the Managing Committee.
Before taking the charge of the office, he has to undergo a fortnight's
probation under the Tantri and Othikkans. The Tantri imparts to him, the
Dhyanasloka, the litany and deity worshipped forms and
schools him in 'Moolamantra' or the secret syllables associated
with deity. The Othikkans instruct him in ancient practices of
the temple.
Keezhsanthis
The
Keezhsanthis are the subordinate temple priests. The Melsanthi is
assisted by two Keezhsanthis. They prepare everything for the daily
worship and attend to the daily chores such as bringing water, making
sandal paste, cooking the nivedyam (offerings for the Lord). They
also distribute the prasadam such as worshipped
flowers, sandal paste and the idol anointed oil.
He
takes the Utsava vigraha on the elephant's back for seevelis. They
perform the annual Chempakasseri and Desavarma sradham on behalf of the
Lord. They cannot however act for the Melsanthi, neither can the Keezhsanthis
touch the Moolavigraha ( the main idol). Since the return of
the vigraha of the Lord , the
duties of the Keezhsanthis are being performed by
fourteen Namboodiri illams
of Karisseri (Puzhavy) by turn, two illams (houses) performing the
various services month by month.
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